Episcopal senior Douglas Robins knows what it is like to make the transition to a new school. Now, after six successful years on campus he has advice for new students to help them become a part of the Episcopal community with ease. Read more from Douglas below.

Dear new friends--

​Congratulations on getting your first week under your belt at the E. You’ve met all your teachers, met some new people, and after signing the Honor Code, you are officially a Knight. By this point, you should start to get a better feel for what it is going to be like on campus from here on out. Now I know that just because you have had one week down, you are by no means an expert and I also know that transitioning in can take some time. As someone who had his last first day of high school last week (I know, it still hasn’t set in) after six years at this school, I have some tips to help you navigate that will take you beyond the first week.

#1 Don’t be afraid to lean on your Student AmbassadorI am sure at this point that you have gotten to know your Student Ambassador. Student Ambassadors are students that are active members of the Episcopal community that you are matched with based off common interests. They are your go-to resource as you transition and take your place in the weave of the Episcopal community. On orientation day, your Student Ambassador spent the day with you and walked your schedule with you as well as made sure you were oriented with the campus. Your relationship with your Student Ambassador does not stop on orientation day. They continue to be your champion as you transition and will oftentimes check on you as the year progresses and if you need something will point you in the right direction. As a result of the continued interaction with your Student Ambassador, don’t be surprised if you become close friends. Don’t be afraid to ask them any sorts of questions, that’s what they are here for. They are just a group of students that love Episcopal and want to help you fall in love with Episcopal too.

#2 Don’t be afraid to try new thingsPart of what makes Episcopal so special is all of the diverse extracurricular options that are available. As you walk around campus, you will see this universal enthusiasm that seems to have touched all of the students and everything that they do. In the spirit of transitioning into the community, allow yourself to get swept away by the excitement of trying out some extracurriculars that you may not have had the chance to do elsewhere. Maybe that means joining the Cross Country team, or auditioning for the play, dabbling in slam poetry or crafting with the Pinterest Club. Don’t limit yourself to just one activity, take advantage of being able to try them all and see what sticks. You may not end up loving everything that you try, but don’t sweat it because no one makes you do something you aren’t into. But I promise, that something will stick and it may be the most unlikely thing. Before I came to Episcopal, I never would have dreamed of being on a stage in a play and I didn’t even know what the Student Vestry was, but by trying new things, I felt that passion and made some of my best friends.

If you can stick to those two easy things, you’ll feel like you’ve been at Episcopal your whole life by the end of the year. I know that starting at a new school can be stressful but just know we can’t wait to get to know you better. Welcome to our community and cheers as we continue through the school year!

Douglas Robins

Douglas Robins is a senior in his sixth year at Episcopal. He is an engaged member of the Episcopal community as a Writing Fellow, Student Vestry member, President of the National Honors Society and a part of the Honors Thesis program. Douglas also is an active member of the performing arts community and enjoys the flexibility of being able to explore his academic interests and his diverse extracurricular interests all in one school day.